Bristol Empire Dragons paddlers representing Great Britain

Bristol paddlers brought home 13 medals in the European dragon boat racing Championships in Rome.

The Bristol Empire Dragons had their largest ever contingent representing Great Britain at the event between 5-7 September.

Simon Faulkner, who was competing for the final time at under-18 level, won two silver medals and three bronze.

Further success came with four paddlers in the Open Senior section who took bronze over 2000m and silver over 500m.

Gary Corr, Del Kyme, Dave Faulkner and Ian Elliott also helped set a new British record of one minute 54.79 seconds in that race.

The mixed senior open crew, which included Candy Elliott, Gary Edwards and Rob Britton missed out on a bronze medal by 0.15 seconds in the 200m, but set new British records over 200m, 500m and 2,000m.